Rapist jailed for 16 years

A Wigan man has been jailed for 16 years for raping and sexually assaulting a young girl.

David Allen, 50, had denied the allegations involving the girl, spanning seven years, but was convicted today (Friday) after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

He also denied sexually assaulting a woman in November last year while on bail for abusing the young girl and was also convicted of that offence.

Nicola Daley, prosecuting, told the court that on November 3 last year the woman victim called at Allen’s home. They chatted and drank alcohol and he gave her some “poppers” and then began to sexually molest her.

Jailing Allen, of Derby House, Scholes, Judge Elizabeth Nicholls said that he had robbed his young victim - who she described as very “dignified” while giving evidence - of her childhood and innocence.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that Allen, who has no similar previous convictions, still maintains his innocence.

He was convicted of one offence against the woman victim and 22 against the child, involving rape, sexual assaults and inciting her to engage in sexual activity.

Miss Daley told the jury that the offences against the girl, which began when she was nine, came to light last year after she confided in her boyfriend while drunk. As a result the police were informed and he was arrested.

He was ordered by the judge to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.